At least 46 people, including 37 children and seven women, have drowned during celebrations of the Hindu festival Jivitputrika in eastern India, according to local officials.
The fatalities were reported across 15 districts within the last 24 hours.
A disaster management official stated that the victims drowned while ritually bathing in rivers and ponds that had been swollen due to recent flooding.
The three-day Jivitputrika festival is dedicated to the wellbeing of children and is traditionally observed by mothers who fast for their children’s health.
Authorities in Bihar noted that many participants disregarded the hazardous water levels while bathing in celebration. There are concerns that the death toll may continue to rise.
State officials announced that families of the victims would receive compensation for their losses.
Historically, deadly accidents have occurred in India during major festivals, often due to large crowds and inadequate safety measures.
For instance, in July, at least 121 people died in a crush at a religious event in northern Uttar Pradesh, and in 2018, nearly 60 were killed when a train struck a crowd watching Dusshera celebrations.
Source-BBC
